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The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, the United States federal government has
approved a 30% tax credit for homeowners installing a qualified
geothermal system from 2008 to 2016. Unlike prior legislation, there is
no maximum credit amount. There truly has never been a better time to
install a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Welcome to Scandia Contractors

Every
Long Islander wants to save money on their heating and
cooling bills. With energy costs on our minds, today's
consumers demand more efficient technology in their
equipment. Technological breakthroughs have made geothermal
systems some of the most efficient, reliable, and affordable
heating and cooling systems on the market today.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes with
geothermal systems can expect to save between 50-70% on
their heating bills and 20-30% on their cooling bills
annually.

Just a few
feet under your yard is an abundant, clean and free source
of energy. The energy underground is called Geothermal.
Simply put, Geo (earth) + thermal (energy) = Geothermal aka
Earth energy. Our planets constant surface temperature is
the free renewable energy
source that these
systems capitalize on.

A
geothermal system is designed to gather this energy to heat and cool your
home for much less than oil, propane or natural gas with no
combustion, no outside equipment, give you better indoor
comfort, and is environmentally friendly. Millions of
Americans are not only helping to save our planet and get
off foreign oil, but are creating new jobs here in America.
Indirect vs. Direct

Although geothermal
technology is often overlooked by the mainstream "green"
movement due to its lack of a visual effect, these systems
often provide a faster return on investment compared to
solar and wind. Geothermal, Solar, and Wind technologies all do the same
thing, they gather a renewable energy source. Since Solar
and Wind create electricity and geothermal systems use
electricity to gather the Earth's energy, they all work well
together. Combining a geothermal system with other renewable
energy technologies will further reduce your energy bills.

-Installations
costs here on Long Island
benefit
from the help of today's
Federal Income Tax credit (in effect until 2016) and Long
Island Power Authority rebates, which now makes it comparable
in cost to conventional (oil, propane, natural gas) heating
and cooling systems.

-Operating
costs are significantly less due to the fact that
we are not consuming carbon -based fuels to provide heat, we
simply move the heat from where it already exists, from
underground. It's economically more feasible to move
existing energy than it is to create heat energy. Compare your fuel costs using this
Department of Energy spreadsheetThe operating costs for the geothermal system is just
the cost to run the equipment.

-Maintenance
costs are
much lower due to reliability of the heat pump, which has
less parts than conventional systems, needs no cleaning like
oil equipment because it creates no toxic by-products/gases
and one unit both heats and cools.

-The
geothermal system delivers exceptional heating and cooling
to your home through conventional methods like duct work or
radiant heat. Distribution System.

-A unique feature only
available to the geothermal system is
hot
water generation
whereby the excess
heat energy from the geothermal heat pump is transferred
into your hot water system saving more money on hot water
costs.

With a
geothermal system, you'll be able to harvest the energy
under your home and slash your energy bills, get better
comfort, eliminate the outside air conditioning equipment in
your yard, and increase the value of your home while doing
something positive for the environment.

Please
call or email us today to discuss how we can help you and
your family enjoy the benefits of a geothermal system. To
this link to learn more about us,
Scandia Contractors

Free Renewable Energy

It's a
fact that the sun heats the earth everyday it shines; solar
energy is absorbed into the earth as thermal energy. Nearly
half the solar energy our planet receives is absorbed into
the earth. Everyone knows it's always warm under ground.
Man has known this fact since the beginning of time. The
biggest "solar collector" on earth is the earth. There
already exists a massive, never ending amount of earth
energy. If you own your home, you already own the energy
under your home.

The
basic principle behind geothermal technology is that heat
always wants to move to a colder place. It's a type of
capillary action, opposites always attract each other.

We live
in a climate where outdoor temperatures range from 10 F to
90 F degrees; remember the earth's temperature is constant
52F degrees, right in the middle. The difference in
temperatures gives us the ability to transfer the heat
energy to and from, wherever we want it and don't want it.

Direct v. Indirect Geothermal

Here in
the United States, we currently use both direct and indirect
methods to capture the earth's energy. In the West, large
scale direct geothermal facilities use wells drilled deep
(3-5 mile) into the earth to tap into the super heated
lavers of the earth. The pressure is so high that injected
water boils thereby turning huge electrical generating
turbines. The indirect geothermal method focuses on the
energy that exists in the outer layer of the earth which is
just a few feet below the surface. Four feet down, no
matter how cold it is on the surface, the ground doesn't
freeze.

Both
the Direct and Indirect Geothermal industries here in
America also contribute to providing new jobs in
manufacturing, distribution, training, service and
installations on national, state and local levels.

Heat Pump

The
heat pump is a reliable technology we've been using for over
80 years. We use heat pump type devices in our every day
appliances such as the kitchen refrigerator, a/c window
unit, freezers, etc. A heat pump is an electrical device
that moves heat energy from one place to another; they don't
create heat energy and require no fossil fuels. If you own
a refrigerator, you already own a heat pump.

Geothermal System

A well
designed/installed geothermal system has 4 components that
work together and provide years of excellent performance and
comfort. In order for the system to work properly, the
energy needed to be moved away from one place must be
absorbed into another place.

A
Geothermal system has 4 major components:

1.The
geothermal heat pump

2.The
distribution system

3.The
domestic hot water generation

4.The
earth heat exchanger

Geothermal Heat Pump
What makes
a geothermal heat pump different from other heat pumps is
how the unit interfaces with the ground energy. In the
winter months, the geothermal system uses the earth's energy
as a heat source. In the summer months, it removes the
unwanted heat and humidity form your home, transferring that
energy underground and the result is cooling/air
conditioning. When providing air conditioning, the unit
automatically reverses itself and removes the heat from your
home. One unit for heating and cooling.

Here's
where we can get technical - a "heat pump" is a vapor
compression machine that uses a refrigerant to move heat
from one place to another. It has the same components
contained in your refrigerator has; it has a compressor,
condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.

In
simplest terms, the unit begins to heat once the compressor
has been energized and it starts the flow of refrigerant
throughout the system in a continuous circle. The
refrigerant leaves the compressor as a superheated, high
pressure vapor rich with energy. Then to the reversing
valve which directs the refrigerant where we want it.

While in
the heating mode, the super heated vapor heads to the fan
coil (condensing coil) and the fan pushes all the heat
energy out of the gas right into your home. The gas is now
is so void of heat; it is actually in the state of sub
cooling. The sub cooled fluid heads to the ground water
coil (evaporator) where it picks up the warmer earth
temperature, then back to the compressor to become super hot
again and the cycle repeats itself. The process continues
until enough heat energy is put into your house to satisfy
the thermostat. In the summer, the process is reversed; the
heated gas leaving the compressor heads over to the water
coil (now the condenser) and rejects its energy to the earth
loop. The refrigerant is now very cold and is moving to the
air coil (now the evaporator) and the fan now blows dry,
cool air. Dehumidification levels are superior due to the
combination of the units oversized fan coil and the variable
speed motor which can lower the air speed, drawing more
water out of the air than compared to the smaller fan coil
sizes in conventional air conditioning equipment.

Here
where the higher efficiencies come in. Since a geothermal
system does not create energy, it just moves it.The
geothermal unit is 300-400% efficient, it makes more energy
than it consumes. It's like paying for one "unit"of
electrical energy from the power company and getting three
"units" for free. Since the units create no combustion
and cause no threat of carbon monoxide gases because they
don't burn a fuel like oil or gas. Indoor air comfort is
superior to conventional systems because the equipment runs
longer, distributing the heat (or cool) more evenly, and
moves more air flow per hour which helps eliminate the cold
areas.

Distribution Systems

The term
"distribution systems" refers to the method of transferring
the heat or cool into your home. The geothermal heat pump
distributes heating and cooling like most conventional
heating and cooling system you are already familiar,
primarily with duct work or radiant in-floor heat tubes.
Current energy codes require a higher standard of
installation for new homes. Thankfully, installation
standards for duct work have also been raised in an effort
to save energy.

For
existing homes wanting to convert to geothermal, in most
cases the existing duct work in your home can be used,
however, modifications
to duct work such as resealing, re-insulating, etc. may be
needed. Keep in mind that homes' whose duct work was
designed for heating only, will have smaller than required
duct work. Homes with existing central air conditioning
have larger size ducts and can hold the necessary volume of
air required to heat and cool. However, base board
radiators require high levels of heat energy; a geothermal
heat pump cannot provide the higher water temperatures (180
F) alone, but can be added to assist an existing
conventional boiler system.

Hot Water Generation

A unique
feature to the geothermal heat pump product is free
supplemental hot water generation (also known as the
desuperheater option). Excess heat is moved from the geo
unit into your hot water system saving money by causing your
hot water system to cycle less often. A separate heat
exchanger in the geo unit moves heat from the refrigeration
system safely into your water tank. In the summer, the hot
water generation option is even more efficient as it
accumulates a portion of the heat removed from your house.
However, you will still need a primary source of hot water,
(electric, gas, propane or oil) to provide hot water when
the geo system is not running. Energy conservation
measures have caused manufacturers of hot water heaters to
build more efficient units. A popular European design is
the tank less or point of use hot water heater. These units
store no water and have no tank. As cold water enters the
unit, a small boiler heats up the water

to the
desired 120 F range. This design makes sense because
keeping a tank of hot water at 120F when no one is home is
like keeping your car running in the driveway when you are
not using it. The geo unit's desuperheater will raise the
incoming water temperature to the tank less unit thereby
requiring less energy to achieve the desired 120F output.

The Earth Heat
Exchanger

The Earth
heat exchanger is the part that raises the most questions,
how does it work? Which one is right for my home? How much
of my yard is needed? Here is where the transfer of earth
energy takes place, the most distinguishing factor that sets
geothermal systems apart from all other heating and cooling
systems. There are 6 types of earth heat exchangers we have
used throughout the country. Divided into two broad
categories- "Closed Loops" (4) and "Open Loops" (2) types.
(read more on Open and Closed loops here)

I. Open
loop-
ground water from standard water well is pumped directly to
the geothermal heat pump. This system have the highest
efficiency's compared any closed systems because the ground
water is approx. 52 F all year. However, water quality may
be a maintenance issue. There are 2 types of Open loop
systems:

1. Supply
well/return well - uses two common water wells with a min.
50' of separation.

The supply
well pumps the ground water through the geothermal unit then
into the second well back down to the aquifer. Long Island
is well suited for a geothermal system due to the ease of
drilling and the abundance of ground water. Open
loop cost is generally one third the cost of a closed
vertical loop, therefore the open loop method is often the
first choice when evaluating projects on Long Island.
Closed vertical loop systems also work well here due to the
ease of drilling in sandy soil but are more costly in
materials and labor.

2.
Standing columns- combine both open and closed system
technologies. They require a 6" or greater diameter well
where water is pumped from the upper portion and recharged
back down to the bottom of the casing. Water is
automatically bled off and fresh water is drawn into the
column when temperatures are either too warm or too cold
depending on the season and systems operating efficiencies.

II. Closed
loop-
plastic pipes use a non-toxic, water based solution that is
circulated without direct physical contact with the earth,
and therefore, it is considered closed. The plastic pipe
used is the same quality the gas industry uses for
underground gas lines. In many cases, we can design and
adjust the size and foot print of the loop field to
accommodate future site improvements (secondary structures,
pools, parking lots, etc.) They aren't as efficient as open
loops, but maintenance is quite low.

1. Vertical- then two plastic pipes, connected together at
the bottom, is inserted into a 5" bore hole. To remove
unwanted voids, gaps and air spaces, a clay based grout
solution is pumped in to completely fill the hole.

2. Horizontal - the same plastic pipe is laid out into
backhoe trenches in various configurations depending on
available land.

3. Slinky - are stretched out coils of plastic pipe tied
together and laid into trenches.

4. Lake loops - coils of plastic pipe that are submerged
into a private lake or a manufactured flat plate heat
exchanger is used.

The number
of feet of underground pipe needed to work properly is a
function of the systems calculated "heat of
rejection/extraction" value. In other words, over sizing
the loop field is costly; the goal is to design the most
efficient ground loop to support the proper comfort levels
for the home.

In the
northeast, vertical loops are used for applications ranging
from residential to commercial applications. However, one
location may have an ample supply of acceptable
quality/quantity ground water. Additionally, that area may
also have favorable soil conditions for trenching; in this
case, a horizontal or Slinky loop may be used. Conditions
in Long Island are favorable for both open systems and
closed vertical systems, but horizontal closed loops are
impractical due to the sandy soil conditions.

Soil
conditions can also vary dramatically from region to region
and state to state. For example, New Hampshire (the granite
state) will see mainly standing columns and closed vertical
loops will be the norm. Solid rock is a great conductor of
heat is fairly easy to drill using the proper equipment.
What works in one region of the country may not work in
another region

There are
many variables to consider when choosing a geothermal heat
exchanger. Your specific geographic location will dictate
which one is best to use. Some locations may have more than
one option; the decision will then be logistical or
financial.

Installation Cost

The
initial cost for the geo equipment is comparable to high
efficiency conventional equipment; however, the geothermal
system cost is higher than conventional systems. The
additional cost is associated with the method of earth heat
exchanger is being used.

New
Home Construction example:
the installation cost for a new 2500 sqft home on Long
Island, with 2 geo units, averages $27,000. Add the average
cost of the wells is $9000, In this case, the Fed Tax credit
would be $10,800 and the LIPA rebate would be $2000. The
net cost of this system would be $23,200.

Existing home geothermal retrofit conversion example:
The same 2500 sqft home average with properly sized,
insulated duct work, installation costs average $20,000; add
the average cost of the wells $9,000. The Federal Tax
credit would be $8,700 and the LIPA rebate would be $2000.
The net cost of this example would be $18,300.

Existing home, geothermal retrofit conversion with water
well example:
If your home already has a drinking water well, it may be
used for your geothermal system. Using the same 2500 sqft
house with 2 geo units, add the cost of the recharge well,
approx. $4000. The Federal Tax credit would be $7,200 and
the LIPA rebate would be $2000. The net cost of the system
would be $14,800.

With
today's Federal Income Tax Credit and LIPA's rebate
($1000/unit), the complete system cost now becomes
comparable to conventional system costs.

An
additional benefit for Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
customers is that LIPA will changes your power rate to the
lower "883" rate -(Residential, water, and home heating with
heat pump), which is lower than the standard "183" rate and
gives a discount of approx.15.25% on All your electrical
costs.

Operating Costs:

A 3200
sqft home in Southampton had a total electric bill for 12
months from March 08 to Feb 09 of $4420.41, this included
heating, cooling, hot water, all the household usage
(lights, refrigerator, TV's, etc.) and pool filter. During
the months when there was no heating or cooling needed, the
house spent on average $208.68 month on normal household
usage ($2503.77/year). Subtract the normal household use
average from the total bill equals the cost to heat and cool
$1916.23 ($159.68/month). ($4420 - $2503.77 = $1916.23)

A 3200
sqft home using oil can typically spend $4500/year, (at
$3.00/gal) not including any household electric costs.

Most
projects see their return on investment for open loops in
less than 3 years and less than 7 years for closed loops.
Financially, these systems are the best hedge against
unpredictable energy costs.

Maintenance Costs:

Routine
maintenance for the homeowner involves simply changing (or
washing) the air filters twice a year and replacing the
batteries in the thermostat when it tells you to.

For
system maintenance, an annual check up once a year by the
installing technician is recommended. System reading are
taken to ensure peak performance. The Southampton home had
4 parts replaced totaling $75.00 dollars for 10 years of
operation. Because the equipment is entirely installed in
your home, its useful life expectancy is over 25 years.

Scandia Contractors:

Scandia Contractors has been providing sales and service
to geothermal systems throughout Long Island for over 10
years. We are Accredited Geothermal Installers,
industry/product trainers, consultants, system
application designers, we also provide forensic
consulting and remedy improperly installed systems.

Our
company's primary focus is to design and install
geothermal systems that will provide 100% of
the building's heating and cooling requirements using
geothermal heat pumps as the primary source of heating.
In addition to new construction installations, we
specialize in retrofit conversions to existing homes
and can incorporate existing gas or oil heating
equipment. Depending on the existing equipments'
condition, we can create a dual fuel, hybrid geo system
which can lower upfront installation costs. We
specialize in air distribution and hydronic/radiant
systems installed to today's higher energy conservation
standards using the most efficient equipment available
today.

We
will complete and deliver to our customers their LIPA
rebate application and Federal tax credit forms along
with the necessary supporting documentation.

To
preview some of our projects, click this link to visit
our
projectspage. Client references are
available upon request.